US20170038743A1 - Electronic timepiece - Google Patents

Electronic timepiece Download PDF

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Publication number
US20170038743A1
US20170038743A1 US15/219,587 US201615219587A US2017038743A1 US 20170038743 A1 US20170038743 A1 US 20170038743A1 US 201615219587 A US201615219587 A US 201615219587A US 2017038743 A1 US2017038743 A1 US 2017038743A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
dial
area
transmittance
plan
solar panel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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US15/219,587
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English (en)
Inventor
Akihiro Sawada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Seiko Epson Corp
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Filing date
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Assigned to SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION reassignment SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SAWADA, AKIHIRO
Publication of US20170038743A1 publication Critical patent/US20170038743A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R20/00—Setting the time according to the time information carried or implied by the radio signal
    • G04R20/02—Setting the time according to the time information carried or implied by the radio signal the radio signal being sent by a satellite, e.g. GPS
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/30—Illumination of dials or hands
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C10/00—Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces
    • G04C10/02—Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces the power supply being a radioactive or photovoltaic source
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R60/00—Constructional details
    • G04R60/06—Antennas attached to or integrated in clock or watch bodies
    • G04R60/10—Antennas attached to or integrated in clock or watch bodies inside cases

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electronic timepiece that has a solar panel and an antenna.
  • a solar cell and a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna for receiving satellite signals are disposed on the back cover side of the dial in the electronic timepiece described in JP-A-2010-96707.
  • the solar cell in this electronic timepiece is disposed to a position not superimposed with the GPS antenna in plan view.
  • the solar cell is disposed to a position superimposed with the GPS antenna in plan view, but there are no electrodes in this part of the solar cell.
  • An objective of the present invention is to improve the solar conversion efficiency and appearance of an electronic timepiece as described in the embodiments and examples described below.
  • An electronic timepiece has an dial configured to transmit light; a solar panel disposed on the back cover side of the dial and having a power generating portion; and an antenna disposed on the back cover side of the dial and located at a position where at least part of the antenna is not superimposed in plan view with the power generating portion; the dial having a first transmittance area having a specific transmittance, and a second transmittance area having greater transmittance than the first transmittance area, and the area of the dial not superimposed in plan view with the power generating portion being the first transmittance area.
  • a notch is formed, or a non-generating portion that does not function as a power generating portion and has no electrodes is formed, in the solar panel at least where the solar panel is superimposed in plan view with the antenna.
  • the power generating portion does not overlap at least part of the antenna in plan view.
  • the first transmittance area is a part with transmittance making seeing the back cover side of the dial difficult from the face side of the dial; and the second transmittance area is a part where transmittance is greater transmittance than the first transmittance area, much light passes through the dial, and the transmittance can improve the power output of the power generating portion.
  • the second transmittance area may be a single part with the same transmittance, plural areas with different transmittance, or multiple areas with the same transmittance.
  • the area of the dial not superimposed in plan view with the with the power generating portion is the first transmittance area.
  • the notch or non-power generating portion are superimposed in plan view with the first transmittance area, the notch and non-power generating portion are difficult to see from the face side of the dial, and the appearance of the electronic timepiece can be improved.
  • the amount of light reaching the power generating portion can be increased and the output of the solar panel can be improved compared with a configuration in which the electronic timepiece 1 only has a first transmittance area.
  • the solar panel has multiple solar cells; and a division line separating adjacent solar cells of the solar panel is superimposed in plan view with the first transmittance area.
  • the appearance of the timepiece may be adversely affected if division lines can be seen by the user, but this aspect can improve the appearance of the timepiece because division lines are difficult to see.
  • the solar panel has multiple solar cells; a division line separating adjacent solar cells of the solar panel has a straight segment; and the second transmittance area is superimposed in plan view with the straight segment.
  • the division line can be obscured and the appearance of the electronic timepiece can be improved even if the second transmittance area is designed to overlap the division line in plan view and the second transmittance area covers the division line.
  • the solar panel has multiple solar cells; and the product of the exposed area of a solar cell and the transmittance of the dial in the area corresponding to the solar cell is the same in each solar cell.
  • the current output of the solar panel is limited to the current output of the cell with the lowest output in the group of solar cells. By equalizing the current output of each solar cell, the current output of the solar panel can be maximized.
  • the current output of a solar cell is proportional to the light-receiving (exposed) area of the solar cell and the irradiance at the cell surface. Because light reaches the solar cell through the dial, the irradiance changes with the transmittance of the dial. Because the dial has a first transmittance area and a second transmittance area with transmittances, the transmittance in the part of the dial corresponding to each solar cell also differs. The exposed area is increased for a solar cell where the transmittance of the corresponding area of the dial is low, and the exposed area is decreased for a solar cell where the transmittance of the corresponding area of the dial is high.
  • the current output of the solar cells can therefore be equalized if the product of the exposed area of the solar cell and the transmittance of the dial in the area where the light received by the solar cell passes is the same in each solar cell.
  • the current output of the solar panel can therefore be increased. Note that equal as used herein includes substantially equal.
  • a subdial is disposed to the dial; and the second transmittance area is disposed in the area corresponding to the subdial.
  • the tone of the first transmittance area and the second transmittance area also looks different. Because a subdial is usually an independent display unit for displaying specific information, a design that does not appear odd to the user due to differences in color tone can be achieved even when a second transmittance area is in the area of the subdial and the tone of the subdial is different from the rest of the dial.
  • the part of the dial not corresponding to the subdial is a first transmittance area
  • the part of the dial not superimposed in plan view with the power generating portion and the surrounding area superimposed with the power generating portion can be a first transmittance area.
  • the appearance of the electronic timepiece can therefore be improved because the difference in tone between the power generating portion and the notch and non-power generating portion of the dial is difficult to discern.
  • An electronic timepiece preferably also has an opaque, light-blocking member disposed to the dial; the solar panel has multiple solar cells; a division line separating adjacent solar cells has a straight segment and a curved segment; and the curved segment is superimposed in plan view with the light-blocking member.
  • the solar panel has multiple solar cells; a division line separating adjacent solar cells is superimposed in plan view with the first transmittance area; and a booster circuit boosts the output voltage of the solar panel.
  • the number of solar cells can be reduced because the output voltage of the solar panel can be reduced to achieve the same voltage.
  • the number of division lines can be reduced, and a second transmittance area can be easily disposed in the area of the dial not superimposed in plan view with the division lines.
  • the antenna is disposed to a position not superimposed in plan view with the power generating portion.
  • the reception sensitivity of the antenna can be improved compared with a configuration in which part of the antenna is superimposed in plan view with the power generating portion.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electronic timepiece in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a section view of the electronic timepiece in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of the solar panel in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a section view of the solar panel in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of the dial in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a circuit configuration of the electronic timepiece in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of the solar panel in a second embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of the dial in a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of the dial in a fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view of the dial in another example.
  • FIG. 12 is a plan view of the dial in another example.
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view of the dial in another example.
  • the crystal 15 side of the electronic timepiece 1 in the following embodiments is also referred to as the face, front, or top side
  • the back cover 12 side is also referred to as the back or bottom side of the electronic timepiece 1 .
  • the electronic timepiece 1 is a wristwatch with a time display unit for displaying the time using a dial 2 and hands 3 , an information display unit including a subdial 2 A of the dial 2 and a hand 4 , and a calendar display unit including a window 2 B in the dial 2 and a date wheel 5 .
  • the dial 2 is a disc-shaped member made of an optically transparent, non-conductive material. Markers for displaying the time are disposed to the dial 2 . A “Y” marker indicating that reception was successful is at the 8 second position on the dial 2 , and a “N” marker indicating that reception failed is at the 22 second position.
  • a subdial 2 A is disposed between 7:00 and 8:00 on the dial 2 .
  • the subdial 2 A comprises a ring portion 2 AA formed in a circle on the dial 2 , and a disc portion 2 AB, which is the part of the dial 2 surrounded by the ring portion 2 AA in plan view.
  • the ring portion 2 AA is a decorative member made of metal or other opaque material.
  • the letters S, M, T, W, T, F, S indicating the days of the week are provided on the right side of the ring portion 2 AA.
  • a “DST” marker indicating the summer time (daylight saving time) mode is set, and a solid dot “.” marker indicating that DST is not set, are provided at 7:00 on the left side (7:00 from the pivot 4 A of the hand 4 ) of the ring portion 2 AA.
  • a sickle-shaped scale between these markers, for indicating the current power reserve (remaining battery capacity) is provided from 8:00 to 9:00 on the ring portion 2 AA.
  • An information display unit embodied by the subdial 2 A and hand (small hand) 4 thus displays information such as the day of the week, the reserve power, and operating mode information.
  • a calendar window 2 B is located at 4:00 on the dial 2 .
  • a through-hole 2 C through which the center pivot 3 A of the hands 3 passes, and a through-hole 2 D through which the pivot 4 A of the small hand 4 passes, are formed in the dial 2 as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 3 is a section view through a line extending from 12:00 to the through-hole 2 C, and from the through-hole 2 C to the midpoint between 7:00 and 8:00.
  • the hands 3 include a second hand 31 , minute hand 32 , and hour hand 33 .
  • the hands 3 , 4 and date wheel 5 are driven by a drive mechanism including stepper motors and wheel train as described further below.
  • the electronic timepiece 1 also has a crown 6 and buttons 7 and 8 .
  • the electronic timepiece 1 is configured to receive satellite signals and acquire satellite time information from plural positioning information satellites, such as GPS satellites, orbiting Earth on known orbits, acquire satellite time information, and correct internal time information based on the acquired satellite time information.
  • plural positioning information satellites such as GPS satellites, orbiting Earth on known orbits
  • acquire satellite time information such as GPS satellites, orbiting Earth on known orbits
  • correct internal time information based on the acquired satellite time information.
  • GPS satellites S shown in FIG. 1 are an example of a positioning information satellite, and multiple satellites are in orbit. At present, there is a constellation of approximately 30 GPS satellites in orbit.
  • the electronic timepiece 1 has a case 10 that houses a movement 20 described further below.
  • the case 10 includes the main case 11 and back cover 12 .
  • the main case 11 includes a tubular case member 111 , and a bezel 112 disposed on the front side of the case member 111 .
  • the bezel 112 is ring-shaped.
  • the bezel 112 and case member 111 are connected by an interlocking tongue-and-groove structure formed on their mutual opposing surfaces, or by double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive, for example.
  • the bezel 112 may also be attached so that it can rotate on the outside case member 111 .
  • the crystal 15 is attached to the inside of the bezel 112 and is held by the bezel 112 .
  • a round back cover 12 is disposed to the back cover side of the outside case member 111 covering the back cover side opening to the outside case member 111 .
  • the back cover 12 and the outside case member 111 screw together.
  • outside case member 111 and the back cover 12 are discrete members in this embodiment, but the invention is not so limited and the outside case member 111 and back cover 12 may be formed in unison as a single piece.
  • the outside case member 111 , bezel 112 , and back cover 12 are made of brass, stainless steel, titanium alloy, or other conductive metal material.
  • the internal structure housed in the case 10 of the electronic timepiece 1 is described next.
  • a movement 20 , planar antenna 40 (patch antenna), date wheel 5 , and dial ring 16 are housed in addition to the dial 2 inside the case 10 .
  • the movement 20 includes the base plate 21 , a drive module 22 supported by the base plate 21 , a circuit board 23 , a storage battery 24 , and a solar panel 25 .
  • the base plate 21 is made from plastic or other non-conductive material.
  • the base plate 21 includes a drive module housing 21 A that holds the drive module 22 , a date wheel housing 21 B where the date wheel 5 is disposed, and an antenna housing 21 C that holds the planar antenna 40 .
  • the drive module housing 21 A and antenna housing 21 C are disposed on the back side of the base plate 21 .
  • the antenna housing 21 C has four walls 214 (only two shown in FIG. 3 ) facing the four sides of the planar antenna 40 , and four cover parts 215 (only two shown in FIG. 3 ) protruding from the walls 214 and opposing the front side of the planar antenna 40 .
  • a through-hole 216 overlapping at least part of the antenna electrode 42 of the planar antenna 40 in plan view is formed between the cover parts 215 . Note that the four walls 214 are formed in unison, and the four cover parts 215 are formed in unison.
  • the planar antenna 40 is also located at 12:00 as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the drive module 22 is held in the drive module housing 21 A of the base plate 21 , and drives the time display unit, information display unit, and date display unit. More specifically, the drive module 22 includes a drive mechanism 221 with a stepper motor and wheel train for driving the hands 3 , a drive mechanism 222 with a stepper motor and wheel train for driving the hand 4 , and a drive mechanism 223 (not shown in the figure) including a stepper motor and wheel train for driving the date wheel 5 .
  • the top side of the circuit board 23 contacts the back side of the base plate 21 , and is attached to the base plate 21 by screw or other fastener.
  • the planar antenna 40 is mounted on the face side of the circuit board 23 .
  • a reception module 50 wireless communication unit
  • a control unit 61 that controls the drive mechanisms 221 , 222 , are mounted on the back side of the circuit board 23 .
  • the reception module 50 and control unit 61 are located on the opposite side of the circuit board 23 as the planar antenna 40 .
  • the reception module 50 and control unit 61 are also enclosed by a shield 26 . As a result, signals received by the planar antenna 40 are protected from noise produced by the reception module 50 and control unit 61 .
  • a lithium storage battery is used for the storage battery 24 .
  • the storage battery 24 supplies power to the drive module 22 , reception module 50 , and control unit 61 .
  • the storage battery 24 is also disposed to the back side of the circuit board 23 at a position not overlapping the reception module 50 and control unit 61 in plan view.
  • the date wheel 5 which is a ring-shaped calendar wheel having date numbers displayed on the surface, is held in the date wheel housing 21 B of the base plate 21 .
  • the date wheel 5 is made from plastic or other non-conductive material. In plan view, the date wheel 5 overlaps at least part of the planar antenna 40 .
  • the calendar wheel is not limited to a date wheel 5 , and may be a day wheel showing the days of the week, or a month wheel showing the months.
  • the planar antenna 40 is disposed in the antenna housing 21 C.
  • the planar antenna 40 receives satellite signals from GPS satellites S.
  • the planar antenna 40 is a patch antenna (also called a microstrip antenna) with excellent circular polarization characteristics.
  • the planar antenna 40 according to this embodiment is a patch antenna having a conductive antenna electrode 42 on a ceramic dielectric substrate 41 .
  • This planar antenna 40 can be manufactured as described below.
  • barium titanate with a dielectric constant of 60-100 is formed to the desired shape in a press and sintered to complete the ceramic dielectric substrate 41 of the antenna.
  • a ground electrode forming the ground plane (GND) of the antenna is made by screen printing a primarily silver (Ag) paste, for example, on the back side (the side facing the circuit board 23 ) of the dielectric substrate 41 .
  • An antenna electrode 42 that determines the antenna frequency and the polarity of the received signals is formed on the face side of the dielectric substrate 41 (the side facing the base plate 21 and dial 2 ) by the same method as the ground electrode 43 .
  • the antenna electrode 42 is slightly smaller than the surface of the dielectric substrate 41 , and an exposed surface where the antenna electrode 42 is not present is disposed around the antenna electrode 42 on the surface of the dielectric substrate 41 .
  • the solar panel 25 is a photovoltaic device that converts light energy to electrical energy, and receives and converts light passing through the dial 2 to electrical energy.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of the solar panel 25 from the face side. Note that the imaginary line in the figure indicates the planar antenna 40 .
  • the solar panel 25 is substantially round.
  • a through-hole 25 A through which the center pivot 3 A of the hands 3 pass is formed in the plane center
  • a through-hole 25 B through which the pivot 4 A of the hand 4 passes is formed in the middle between 7:00 and 8:00 from the plane center
  • a through-hole 25 C corresponding to the date window 2 B is formed at 4:00
  • a notch 25 D superimposed with the planar antenna 40 in plan view planar antenna 40 is formed at 12:00.
  • GPS satellite signals are high frequency signals of approximately 1.5 GHz, GPS signals are attenuated by even the thin transparent electrode of the solar panel, unlike the long wave standard time signals received by radio-controlled timepieces, and antenna performance drops.
  • a notch 25 D is formed in the disc-shaped solar panel 25 in the area overlapping the antenna electrode 42 and dielectric substrate 41 of the planar antenna 40 in plan view.
  • the solar panel 25 therefore covers the face side of the base plate 21 but does not cover the face side of the planar antenna 40 .
  • the planar antenna 40 can therefore receive radio waves through the notch 25 D in the solar panel 25 .
  • the solar panel 25 is segmented into four solar cells 251 - 254 by four division lines D 1 -D 4 extending from the through-hole 25 A to the outside circumference.
  • the four solar cells 251 - 254 are the generating portions of the solar panel 25 , and are connected in series by connectors not shown.
  • the solar cell 251 is segmented by a division line D 1 extending from the through-hole 25 A toward 12:00 to the notch 25 D, and a division line D 2 extending from the through-hole 25 A to 4:00, into adjacent solar cells 254 , 252 .
  • Division lines D 1 and D 2 are straight lines.
  • the solar cell 251 is also segmented by division line D 2 and a division line D 3 extending from the through-hole 25 A to 7 : 00 , into adjacent solar cells 251 , 253 .
  • Division line D 3 includes a straight segment D 31 , a curved segment D 32 superimposed in plan view with the ring portion 2 AA ( FIG. 6 ) and following the curve of the ring portion 2 AA, and a straight segment D 33 .
  • Through-hole 25 C is formed in solar cell 252 .
  • Solar cell 253 is separated from the adjacent solar cells 252 , 254 by division line D 3 and a division line D 4 from the through-hole 25 A to 8:00.
  • This division line D 4 includes a straight segment D 41 , a curved segment D 42 superimposed in plan view with the ring portion 2 AA and following the curve of the ring portion 2 AA, and a straight segment D 43 .
  • Through-hole 25 B is formed in solar cell 253 .
  • Solar cell 254 is separated from the adjacent solar cells 253 , 251 by division line D 4 and division line D 1 .
  • the current output of the solar panel 25 is limited to the output of the solar cells 251 - 254 with the lowest current output.
  • the current output of the solar cells 251 - 254 is preferably as uniform as possible.
  • the current output of the solar cells 251 - 254 is proportional to the area exposed to (receiving) light and the irradiance at the cell surface. Because light reaches the solar cells after passing through the dial 2 , the irradiance changes with the transmittance of the dial 2 . Because the dial 2 has a low transmittance area TL and a high transmittance area TH of differing transmittance as described below, transmittance differs in the areas of the dial 2 corresponding to the solar cells 251 - 254 . As a result, the area of the solar cell is increased where the transmittance of the corresponding area of the dial 2 is low, and the area of the solar cell is decreased where the transmittance of the corresponding area of the dial 2 is high.
  • the product of the exposed area of the solar cells 251 - 254 and the transmittance of the dial 2 where the light received by the solar cells 251 - 254 passes can be equalized, and the current output of the solar cells 251 - 254 can be equalized.
  • this product is obtained by adding the product of the exposed area in the low transmittance area TL and the transmittance of the low transmittance area TL, and the product of the exposed area in the high transmittance area TH and the transmittance of the high transmittance area TH.
  • That the output of the solar cells 251 - 254 is equal includes being substantially the same, such as the output of each solar cell 251 - 254 being within +/ ⁇ 10% of the average output of all solar cells 251 - 254 .
  • FIG. 5 is a section view of the solar panel 25 on a line between 12:00 and 6:00.
  • the solar panel 25 has a metal electrode L 3 , amorphous silicon L 4 , transparent electrode L 5 , and protective film L 6 formed in layers on the surface of a plastic film substrate L 2 having another protective film L 1 formed on the back side thereof.
  • the amorphous silicon L 4 layer is a sandwich of an i-type semiconductor L 42 between an n-type semiconductor L 41 and a p-type semiconductor L 43 .
  • the dial 2 is disposed on the face side of the base plate 21 and covering the solar panel 25 and date wheel 5 .
  • the dial 2 is made from polycarbonate or other material that is non-conductive and transparent to at least some light.
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of the dial 2 from the face side.
  • the imaginary lines indicate the solar panel 25 and planar antenna 40 that are covered by the dial 2 .
  • the dial 2 has a high transmittance area TH in the disc portion 2 AB corresponding to the subdial 2 A, and the part of the dial 2 outside the disc portion 2 AB is a low transmittance area TL.
  • the low transmittance area TL is an example of a first transmittance area with specific transmittance
  • the high transmittance area TH is an example of a second transmittance area with higher transmittance than the first transmittance area.
  • the low transmittance area TL has low transmittance (such as 26%) so that it is difficult to see through the face side of the dial 2 to the back side of the dial 2 .
  • the low transmittance area TL is thus a visibility suppression area that reduces the ability to see the back cover side of the dial 2 .
  • the high transmittance area TH has higher transmittance than the low transmittance area TL, allows more light to pass through the dial 2 , and has transmittance (such as 95%) that can improve the output of the solar panel 25 . In other words, the high transmittance area TH contributes to generating power.
  • the high transmittance area TH is superimposed in plan view with the solar panel 25 , all light passing through the high transmittance area TH is incident to the solar panel 25 .
  • the curved segment D 32 of the division line D 3 , and the curved segment D 42 of the division line D 4 , are superimposed in plan view with the ring portion 2 AA of the subdial 2 A.
  • the curved segments D 32 , D 42 are not visible from the face side of the dial 2 .
  • a dial ring 16 that is made of a non-conductive plastic material in a ring shape is disposed to the face side of the dial 2 .
  • the dial ring 16 is disposed around the circumference of the dial 2 , is conically shaped with the inside circumference surface sloping down to the dial 2 , and has 60 minute markers printed on the inside sloping surface.
  • the dial ring 16 is held pressed against the dial 2 by the bezel 112 .
  • the antenna electrode 42 of the planar antenna 40 is not superimposed in plan view with the main case 11 (outside case member 111 and bezel 112 ) or solar panel 25 , but does overlap the date wheel 5 , dial 2 , and crystal 15 , which are made from non-conductive materials. More specifically, all parts of the electronic timepiece 1 that are over the face side of the planar antenna 40 in plan view are made from non-conductive materials.
  • the circuit configuration of the electronic timepiece 1 is described next with reference to FIG. 7 .
  • the electronic timepiece 1 has a planar antenna 40 , a SAW filter 35 , the reception module 50 , a display control unit 60 , and a power supply unit 70 .
  • the SAW filter 35 is a bandpass filter that passes signals in the 1.5 GHz waveband.
  • a LNA low noise amplifier
  • the SAW filter 35 may be embedded in the reception module 50 .
  • the reception module 50 processes satellite signals passed through the SAW filter 35 , and includes an RF (radio frequency) circuit 51 and a baseband circuit 52 .
  • the RF circuit 51 includes a PLL (phase-locked loop) circuit 511 , a VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) 512 , a LNA (low noise amplifier) 513 , a mixer 514 , an IF (intermediate frequency) amplifier 515 , an IF filter 516 , and an A/D converter 517 .
  • PLL phase-locked loop
  • VCO voltage controlled oscillator
  • LNA low noise amplifier
  • the satellite signal passed by the SAW filter 35 is amplified by the LNA 513 , mixed by the mixer 514 with the clock signal output by the VCO 512 , and down-converted to a signal in the intermediate frequency band.
  • the IF signal from the mixer 514 is amplified by the IF amplifier 515 , passed through the IF filter 516 , and converted to a digital signal by the A/D converter 517 .
  • the baseband circuit 52 includes, for example, a DSP (digital signal processor) 521 , CPU (central processing unit) 522 , a RTC (real-time clock) 523 , and SRAM (static random access memory) 524 .
  • a TCXO (temperature compensated crystal oscillator) 53 and flash memory 54 are also connected to the baseband circuit 52 .
  • a digital signal is input from the A/D converter 517 of the RF circuit 51 to the baseband circuit 52 , which acquires satellite time information and navigation information by a correlation process and positioning computation process.
  • clock signal for the PLL circuit 511 is generated by the TCXO 53 .
  • a time difference database relationally storing location information (latitude and longitude data) and time difference data is stored in flash memory 54 .
  • flash memory 54 A time difference database relationally storing location information (latitude and longitude data) and time difference data is stored in flash memory 54 .
  • EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
  • the time difference database is stored in flash memory 54 in the reception module 50 in this embodiment, but nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM or flash memory may be provided in the control unit 61 of the display control unit 60 and the time difference database stored in this nonvolatile memory.
  • nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM or flash memory
  • the display control unit 60 includes a control unit (CPU) 61 , a drive circuit 62 that drives the hands 3 , 4 , a crystal oscillator 63 , a time display unit, and an information display unit.
  • CPU control unit
  • drive circuit 62 that drives the hands 3 , 4
  • crystal oscillator 63 a crystal oscillator
  • time display unit a time display unit
  • information display unit an information display unit.
  • the control unit 61 includes a RTC 66 and storage 67 .
  • the RTC 66 calculates the internal time information using a reference signal output from the crystal oscillator 63 .
  • the storage 67 stores the satellite time information and positioning information output from the reception module 50 .
  • the electronic timepiece 1 in this example can automatically correct the displayed time based on the satellite signals received from the GPS satellites S.
  • the power supply unit 70 includes the solar panel 25 , a booster circuit 75 , a charging control circuit 71 , the storage battery 24 , a first regulator 72 , a second regulator 73 , and a voltage detection circuit 74 .
  • the booster circuit 75 When light is incident to the solar panel 25 , the booster circuit 75 boosts the output voltage of the solar panel 25 by twice, for example.
  • the booster circuit 75 is a charge pump booster, for example.
  • the charging control circuit 71 supplies the power boosted by the booster circuit 75 to the storage battery 24 and charges the storage battery 24 .
  • the storage battery 24 embodies the power supply, and supplies drive power through the first regulator 72 to the display control unit 60 , and supplies power through the second regulator 73 to the reception module 50 .
  • the voltage detection circuit 74 monitors the output voltage of the storage battery 24 , and outputs to the control unit 61 . Because the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 74 is input to the control unit 61 , the control unit 61 can know the storage battery 24 voltage and control the reception process accordingly.
  • notch 25 D and division lines D 1 -D 4 are superimposed in plan view with the low transmittance area TL, they are difficult to see and the appearance of the electronic timepiece 1 can be improved.
  • the amount of light reaching the solar panel 25 can be increased and the power generating performance of the solar panel 25 can be improved compared with a configuration in which all of the dial 2 is a low transmittance area TL.
  • the tone of the low transmittance area TL and high transmittance area TH look different because of the different transmittance. Because the subdial 2 A is an independent display unit that can display specific information, a design that does not appear odd to the user due to the different tone can be achieved even when a high transmittance area TH is in the area of the subdial 2 A and the tone of the subdial 2 A is different from the rest of the dial 2 .
  • the part of the dial 2 outside of the subdial 2 A is a low transmittance area TL
  • the notch 25 D and the surrounding portion of the solar panel 25 are superimposed in plan view with the low transmittance area TL.
  • it is difficult to discern a difference in tone between the notch 25 D and solar panel 25 and the appearance can be improved.
  • the appearance of the electronic timepiece 1 can also be improved because the curved segments D 32 , D 42 of the division lines, which are more conspicuous than the straight segments, are hidden by the ring portion 2 AA and cannot be seen.
  • the current output of the solar panel 25 can also be maximized because the power output of the solar cells 251 - 254 can be equalized.
  • booster circuit 75 By having a booster circuit 75 , fewer solar cells are needed than when a booster circuit 75 is not used because the same voltage can be achieved with a lower output voltage from the solar panel 25 . As a result, the number of division lines can also be reduced, and a high transmittance area TH can be easily formed in the dial 2 in an area not superimposed in plan view with division lines.
  • the solar panel 25 in the first embodiment is disposed to a position not superimposed in plan view with the planar antenna 40 , but the solar panel in a second embodiment is also disposed superimposed with the planar antenna 40 .
  • the metal electrode L 3 , amorphous silicon L 4 , and transparent electrode L 5 are not formed in the part of the solar panel superimposed with the planar antenna 40 , and this part of the solar panel does not function to generate power.
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of the solar panel in this second embodiment from the face side. Note that the imaginary line in the figure indicates the planar antenna 40 .
  • the solar panel in this embodiment is also formed in the area superimposed in plan view with the planar antenna 40 , but the metal electrode L 3 , amorphous silicon L 4 , and transparent electrode L 5 are not formed in this part. More specifically, the protective film L 1 , plastic film substrate L 2 and protective film L 6 are formed in this part. In other words, only members that are non-conductive and do not block signal transmission are formed in this part.
  • the planar antenna 40 can therefore receive signals through the solar panel 25 .
  • this part is a non-generating portion 255 that does not function to generate power.
  • the second embodiment is otherwise configured identically to the first embodiment, and has the same effect.
  • the non-generating portion 255 is configured differently from the solar cells 251 - 254 and has a different tone, but because the non-generating portion 255 is superimposed in plan view with the low transmittance area TL and is difficult to see, the appearance of the electronic timepiece can be improved.
  • An electronic timepiece according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in the plane shape of the solar cells of the solar panel and the presence of two subdials on the dial.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of the solar panel in this third embodiment from the face side. Note that the imaginary lines in the figure indicate the solar panel and planar antenna 40 hidden by the dial.
  • This embodiment has a subdial 2 E at approximately 3:00 and another subdial 2 F at approximately 9:00 on the dial.
  • Subdial 2 E comprises a ring portion 2 EA formed in a circle on the dial, and a disc portion 2 EB, which is the part of the dial surrounded by the ring portion 2 EA in plan view.
  • Subdial 2 F comprises a ring portion 2 FA formed in a circle on the dial, and a disc portion 2 FB, which is the part of the dial surrounded by the ring portion 2 FA in plan view.
  • the ring portion 2 EA, 2 FA are decorative members made of metal or other opaque material.
  • the dial has a high transmittance area TH in the disc portions 2 EB, 2 FB, and the part of the dial outside the disc portions 2 EB, 2 FB is a low transmittance area TL.
  • a date window is not disposed to the dial in this embodiment.
  • a fan-shaped notch 25 D centered on the through-hole 25 A in plan view is formed in the solar panel at 12:00.
  • the solar panel is segmented into four solar cells 251 - 254 by three division lines D 1 -D 3 .
  • Division line D 1 goes from the through-hole 25 A to 3 : 00 , and includes a curved segment superimposed in plan view with the ring portion 2 EA and following the curve of the ring portion 2 EA, and straight segments.
  • Division line D 2 is a straight line from the through-hole 25 A to 6:00.
  • Division line D 3 goes from the through-hole 25 A to 6:00, and includes a curved segment superimposed in plan view with the ring portion 2 FA and following the curve of the ring portion 2 FA, and straight segments.
  • the notch 25 D and division lines D 1 -D 3 of the solar panel are superimposed in plan view with the low transmittance area TL.
  • the curved segments of the division lines D 1 -D 3 are superimposed in plan view with the ring portions 2 EA, 2 FA.
  • the product of the exposed area and the transmittance of the areas of the dial corresponding to the solar cells 251 - 254 is substantially equal in each of the solar cells 251 - 254 .
  • the third embodiment is basically configured identically to the first embodiment, and has the same effect.
  • the notch 25 D and division lines D 1 -D 3 of the solar panel are difficult to see because they are superimposed in plan view with the low transmittance area TL.
  • the curved segments of the division lines D 1 -D 3 are also hidden by the ring portions 2 EA, 2 FA, and are not seen.
  • the current output of the solar panel can also be maximized because the power output of the solar cells 251 - 254 can be equalized.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of the solar panel in this fourth embodiment from the face side. Note that the imaginary lines in the figure indicate the solar panel and planar antenna 40 hidden by the dial.
  • the dial in this embodiment has a subdial 2 G disposed to the dial at 6:00.
  • Subdial 2 G comprises a ring portion 2 GA formed in a circle on the dial, and a disc portion 2 GB, which is the part of the dial surrounded by the ring portion 2 GA in plan view.
  • the ring portion 2 GA is a decorative member made of metal or other opaque material.
  • the disc portion 2 GB in this embodiment is a medium transmittance area TM.
  • the medium transmittance area TM contributes to generating power, and is an example of a second transmittance area.
  • the transmittance of the medium transmittance area TM is greater than the transmittance of the low transmittance area TL, passes much light through the dial 2 , and improves the power output of the solar panel; and has lower transmittance than the high transmittance area TH, and makes the back cover side of the dial more difficult to see than the high transmittance area TH.
  • the transmittance of the medium transmittance area TM is set to transmittance level (such as 50%) between the low transmittance area TL and the high transmittance area TH.
  • the medium transmittance area TM in this embodiment is superimposed in plan view with division line D 2 , which is straight.
  • the division line D 2 also passes through the plane center of the medium transmittance area TM.
  • the third embodiment is otherwise configured identically to the third embodiment, and has the same effect.
  • Straight segments of the division lines are less conspicuous than curved segments when seen through the dial.
  • the high transmittance area TH and medium transmittance area TM which contribute to generating power, at a position not superimposed in plan view with a division line is difficult and the power generating portion is superimposed with a division line
  • the division line can be made difficult to see and the appearance of the electronic timepiece can be improved.
  • the division line D 2 superimposed with the medium transmittance area TM follows a straight line through the center of the dial and passes through the plane center of the medium transmittance area TM, the line is inconspicuous to the user.
  • the division lines are more difficult to see than in the opposite case, that is, if the medium transmittance area TM does not overlap a division line and the high transmittance area TH overlaps a division line.
  • planar antenna 40 is located at 12:00 in the foregoing embodiments, but the invention is not so limited and the planar antenna 40 may be placed in a different location.
  • the subdial 2 A in the first embodiment is between 7:00 and 8:00, but the invention is not so limited and the subdial 2 A may be placed in a different location.
  • a date window is provided at 4:00 on the dial in the first embodiment, but the invention is not so limited and the subdial 2 A may be located at 3:00 or other position, or omitted.
  • FIG. 11 shows a variation of the first embodiment.
  • the planar antenna 40 may be placed between 2:00 and 3:00, the subdial 2 A at 6:00, and the date window omitted.
  • FIG. 12 shows a variation of the first embodiment.
  • a subdial 2 H may be configured with a fan-shaped portion 2 HB, which is a fan-shaped portion of the dial in plan view, and an arc 2 HA disposed to the dial as a decorative member following the curve of the arc on the outside of the curve of the fan-shaped portion 2 HB.
  • the subdial may also be configured without a ring, curved, or other decorative member.
  • parts of division lines D 3 and D 4 are disposed along the border between the high transmittance area TH (second transmittance area) of the fan-shaped portion 2 HB, and the low transmittance area TL (first transmittance area). This makes the division lines less conspicuous.
  • the solar panels in the foregoing embodiments comprise four solar cells, but the invention is not so limited. More specifically, the solar panel may have 1, 3, or 5 or more solar cells.
  • FIG. 13 shows a variation of the fourth embodiment.
  • the solar panel may be segmented into eight solar cells by division lines D 1 -D 7 .
  • the medium transmittance area TM is superimposed in plan view with the division line D 4
  • two high transmittance areas TH are superimposed in plan view with division lines D 1 and D 7 . Because the medium transmittance area TM and high transmittance area TH are superimposed with the straight segments of the division lines, the division lines are less conspicuous than when superimposed with the curved segments.
  • the power generating part of the solar panels in the foregoing embodiments are not superimposed in plan view with the planar antenna 40 , but the invention is not so limited. More specifically, the power generating part may be superimposed with part of the dielectric substrate 41 or part of the antenna electrode 42 insofar as the planar antenna 40 can receive signals. The area of the power generating part can therefore be increased. However, the reception sensitivity of the planar antenna 40 can be improved if the power generating part does not overlap the dielectric substrate 41 and antenna electrode 42 .
  • the product of the exposed area of the solar cells and the transmittance of the dial in the area where the light received by the solar cells passes is the same for each solar cell in the foregoing embodiments, but the invention is not so limited and the products may be unequal.
  • the high transmittance area TH and medium transmittance area TM in the foregoing embodiments are areas of the dial corresponding to the subdials, but the invention is not so limited and they may be areas of the dial outside of the subdials.
  • the invention can also be applied to an electronic timepiece without a subdial.
  • the curved segments of the division lines in the solar panel are superimposed in plan view with the ring of the subdial in the foregoing embodiments, but the invention is not so limited.
  • the curved segments may be superimposed with other opaque, light-blocking members on the dial. They may also be disposed not superimposed with light-blocking members.
  • the booster circuit 75 in the foregoing embodiments is a charge pump booster, but the invention is not so limited.
  • a chopper circuit may be used instead, for example.
  • the gain of the booster circuit 75 is not limited to twice, and may be set to a different multiple.
  • the booster circuit 75 may also be omitted. In this event, EMF can be increased by increasing the number of solar cells to eight, for example.
  • the plane shape of the notch or non-conductive part of the solar panel in the foregoing embodiments is rectangular or fan-shaped, but the invention is not so limited and may be desirably shaped.
  • the non-generating part of the solar panel in the second embodiment comprises the protective film L 1 , plastic film substrate L 2 , and protective film L 6 , but the invention is not so limited. More specifically, any configuration that does not function to generate power and passes radio signals may be used.
  • the reception module in the foregoing embodiments receives satellite signals, but the invention is not so limited.
  • the reception module may be configured to receive microwave signals used for near-field communication, such as BluetoothTM signals.
  • the transmittance of the low transmittance area TL, high transmittance area TH, and medium transmittance area TM in the foregoing embodiments is set to 26%, 95%, 50%, but the invention is not so limited and the transmittance may be desirably set.
  • the transmittance of the low transmittance area TL is 35% or less, the notch in the solar panel and non-conductive parts are difficult to see, but lower transmittance is preferable in terms of appearance.
  • the transmittance of the high transmittance area TH may also be close to 100% when the high transmittance area TH is not superimposed in plan view with a division line.
  • the transmittance of the medium transmittance area TM may be set desirably with consideration for the balance between power output and appearance.
  • the information displayed by the subdials in the foregoing embodiments is not limited to the day of the week, reserve power, or operating mode, and may be chronograph time, the time of a dual time function, or an alarm time.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
US15/219,587 2015-08-07 2016-07-26 Electronic timepiece Abandoned US20170038743A1 (en)

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US20180275619A1 (en) * 2017-03-21 2018-09-27 Seiko Epson Corporation Electronic timepiece
US11073621B2 (en) * 2017-09-26 2021-07-27 Seiko Epson Corporation Electronic timepiece
CN114153132A (zh) * 2020-09-08 2022-03-08 精工爱普生株式会社 钟表用表盘以及钟表
US11487248B2 (en) * 2018-02-01 2022-11-01 Seiko Epson Corporation Movement and timepiece
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JP6969260B2 (ja) * 2017-09-26 2021-11-24 セイコーエプソン株式会社 電子時計
JP7225577B2 (ja) * 2017-09-26 2023-02-21 セイコーエプソン株式会社 電子時計
JP7383586B2 (ja) * 2020-09-09 2023-11-20 シチズン時計株式会社 電子時計
JP7131588B2 (ja) * 2020-09-09 2022-09-06 カシオ計算機株式会社 時計

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